Shastri-Kohli axis behind Dhoni retirement?

[Gollum]

Written by Bharat Sundaresan | Melbourne | Posted: December 31, 2014 5:32 am While M S Dhoni’s decision to quit Test cricket may have come as a bolt from the blue, many in the Indian camp revealed that over the last few weeks, he had been dropping hints about this being his last series. It is learnt, however, that the nudge which hastened his dramatic move was the changing equations in the Indian dressing room. It started with the increasing closeness between Virat Kohli, who took over his captaincy for the first Test in Adelaide, and team director Ravi Shastri. This diminished the influence of coach Duncan Fletcher, who has a great working relationship with Dhoni. While Fletcher has been sidelined, Shastri has established an overbearing presence over all matters, including team decisions. This was a completely different culture to the one that Dhoni had harnessed over a lengthy reign as Indian Test captain. He had formed an intrinsic bond with the elusive Fletcher and created a team atmosphere that was themed on his own personality. He had gotten used to running his ship in his own inimitable style. What hasn’t helped matters is the firebrand cricket that India played in this series, along with the in-your-face aggression that led to a number of skirmishes on the field — both in contrast to the Dhoni doctrine. While he hasn’t been very vocal against it, the now former Indian Test captain has repeatedly asked for calmer heads. After the Adelaide Test, where Kohli came close to helping India cross the line in a landmark run chase, there were many calls to adopt the new and fresh approach being bred by the Kohli-Shastri partnership. Dhoni was never going to buy into this. And he probably thought the best way out was to get out of the way. http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/shastri-kohli-axis-didnt-exactly-hold-him-back/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

[Texan]

I do suspect that this is the case. After Kohli led an aggressive India in the first Test in complete contrast to the leadership style of Dhoni, and was applauded by most observers for this refreshing change, I am sure Dhoni felt a bit pressured to continue with the aggressive strategy. This completely contradicted his overseas policy of playing for a draw at the first opportunity. Quitting mid way through a Test series without any prior indication to do so does indicate that there is more to this story than what meets the eye.

[Zap_Brannigan]

Kinda like how kumble stepped down to let Dhoni take over. Although its mid series, the series ended today with Australia winning it. The last one is just a dead rubber. This being the last series for some time, Dhoni was in all probabilities was going to be sacked/replaced as captain after the WC.

[Haarkarjeetgaye]

whatever the reason...Indian team will pay heavily for this in the 2015 WC.

[BeautifulGame]

Dhoni wanted to retire to retire after the england series itself.Only Kohli poor form messed up the situation of successor . Dhoni hinted this heavily after the lords win. He also always maintained retiring from Test cricket in 13-14 to maintain work load even as back as 2 years

[zep1706]

With Kohli's performance in Adelaide, Dhoni perhaps for the first time felt to be not in complete charge of the team. Everyone seems to want Kohli as the captain now. He felt that too. Before this, although Dhoni was under the scanner for quite some time but there was no immediate threat from anyone else in the side. Kohli had a horrid time in England. Adelaide changed everything. Although India ended up losing the match, Kohli stamped his authority over the team. Dhoni might have felt undermined and realized that it might not be possible to stretch his captaincy any further. If he is not the captain, he also does not see the point of playing as a player in test cricket, it is not really his cup of tea. Just my speculation.

[bulbul]

Dhoni wanted to retire to retire after the england series itself.Only Kohli poor form messed up the situation of successor . Dhoni hinted this heavily after the lords win. He also always maintained retiring from Test cricket in 13-14 to maintain work load even as back as 2 years

Do you ahve any source other than India cements brochure?

[coffee_rules]

I think the kohli PC did it for Dhoni. Totally against team nature till now. Good luck to Kohli with his methods

[tweaker]

Kohli aggressive captaincy in the first test was the main reason for Dhoni 's retirement.Now people started comparing their captaincy styles.Smith late declaration in the 3rd test was also due to this

[aceofbase]

MSD previously said that he would quit test cricket before the world cup...his timing was perfect...

[AmreekanDesi]

Some one who is usually clued up on these matters told me today that there is more to meet the eye and the all-powerful image of Dhoni and how idea that he has the kingmakers in the board on his fingers has been shattered due to this. He said Shastri has played a big role behind the scenes and the future of Indian cricket will be decided iif Shastri is in the party for the WC. Whatever that means... Also that he will retire from ODI's after WC too but wants to stay in t20''s. However, hhe, himself and his advisors say that just staying in t20s leaves him in a very weak position and prolly wont have any bargaining power. ]

[Magneto]

It's surely a combination of circumstances. The fact that MSD's brand value does not diminish if he holds on to the ODI and the IPL captaincy probably made this a lot more easier. He has thought this through - if he wants to play for another 4-5 years, he cannot be keeping, batting, captaining in all formats and in all tamasha leagues. In order to maximise his career and his earnings, he needs more rest - so giving up on 50 days of Test cricket will do a world of good to him. Plus he can get rid of the worrying and the criticism on his captaincy too. He will be fresher and more focussed. Perfectly planned! P.S - Saves the 'ignominy' of playing under Rat and avoiding that losing world record too.

[AmreekanDesi]

It's surely a combination of circumstances. The fact that MSD's brand value does not diminish if he holds on to the ODI and the IPL captaincy probably made this a lot more easier. He has thought this through - if he wants to play for another 4-5 years, he cannot be keeping, batting, captaining in all formats and in all tamasha leagues. In order to maximise his career and his earnings, he needs more rest - so giving up on 50 days of Test cricket will do a world of good to him. Plus he can get rid of the worrying and the criticism on his captaincy too. He will be fresher and more focussed. Perfectly planned! P.S - Saves the 'ignominy' of playing under Rat and avoiding that losing world record too.

WC 15- hopefully a run to the semis minimum. That will be considered a successful tournament and Dhoni will call it quits If its an early knockout Dhoni stays until next T20 WC. Retires international for good after WT20 2016. Keeps on playing IPL till 2018 atleast barring any significant injury. Dont see him giving up gloves as they are important part of his persona and brand value

[Magneto]

WC 15- hopefully a run to the semis minimum. That will be considered a successful tournament and Dhoni will call it quits If its an early knockout Dhoni stays until next T20 WC. Retires international for good after WT20 2016. Keeps on playing IPL till 2018 atleast barring any significant injury. Dont see him giving up gloves as they are important part of his persona and brand value

I don't see Dhoni retiring after the 2015 WC; not being part of Team India will seriously diminish his brand value. Since he is running a MotoGP team too, he simply cannot afford to do the same. He may however hand over the captaincy to Kohli later, if Kohli's Test captaincy works out well. Because here, unlike Tests, Dhoni's spot will hardly be in question; he will figure out a way to remain the MVP of the ODI team through grit or practice. I am wondering whether we will see a shift at the top as well. Like the Dalmiya-Ganguly or the Srini-Dhoni era, we may see a new BCCI chief with Kohli.

[kosingh]

Dhoni did hint after the England tour that he wanted to quit, but I doubt kohli's poor form prevented him from doing so. Kohli's place in the side was well and truly established already, and he wa always going to. E the next captain. Probably srinivasan or one of the other political players prevented him

[AmreekanDesi]

I don't see Dhoni retiring after the 2015 WC; not being part of Team India will seriously diminish his brand value. Since he is running a MotoGP team too, he simply cannot afford to do the same. He may however hand over the captaincy to Kohli later, if Kohli's Test captaincy works out well. Because here, unlike Tests, Dhoni's spot will hardly be in question; he will figure out a way to remain the MVP of the ODI team through grit or practice. I am wondering whether we will see a shift at the top as well. Like the Dalmiya-Ganguly or the Srini-Dhoni era, we may see a new BCCI chief with Kohli.

what i posted are scenarios which came from someone really close to Sharad Powar's family. I dont know how much clued up Powar is to current events and whether he even cares but i wouldnt dismiss these possibilities. this kid told me abt Gary Kirsten's likely appointment months before he was appointed and well in advance of any media speculating that. Same with the case of the series by series appointment of Kumble after 07. basically an impression is that dhoni feels that he gets undue flak from all quarters despite his achievements and he had attained a level where playing for India is not absolutely necessary and vital for Brand Dhoni anymore. How srini ties into it i dont know. i doubt theres an interest from that side to have him keep playing. indifference might be closer to the truth in this case

[AmreekanDesi]

I am wondering whether we will see a shift at the top as well. Like the Dalmiya-Ganguly or the Srini-Dhoni era, we may see a new BCCI chief with Kohli.

as for this. I personally feel that Kohli doesnt really care and nor does he have the brains or understanding of player politics to really form a nexus like the above two. ofcourse it may change if he matures. at best i see his strings being pulled by someone else as far as off the field politics is concerned. I feel he needs a strong coach too after the WC.

[Marut]

Retirement in the middle of any series would look fishy. I guess Dhoni was ousted, normal retirement would have happened at the end of the tour. Kohli's brand of aggressive game could cost India a lot of matches too, what we really need is a mix of Dhoni's calm and Kohli's aggression. Too much of either will lead to disappointing results, given India's bowling quality.

[Sachinism]

[Magneto]

as for this. I personally feel that Kohli doesnt really care and nor does he have the brains or understanding of player politics to really form a nexus like the above two. ofcourse it may change if he matures. at best i see his strings being pulled by someone else as far as off the field politics is concerned. I feel he needs a strong coach too after the WC.

Um, Kohli is a very sharp brain. He knows exactly what's to be done to get there. I would never underestimate his intelligence. All this aggression-fast talking stuff is part of his branding. Bit of it comes naturally to him, but if you see his studio interviews, he can sound extremely mature if he wishes to.